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Business Risk Partners, Euclid Program Managers and Innovative Coverage Concepts Awarded TMPAA Best Practice Honors

Wilmington, DE-- The Target Markets Program Administrators Association (TMPAA) awarded three of its member agencies--Business Risk Partners, Euclid Program Managers and Innovative Coverage Concepts--the Association’s Best Practice Designation at their recent 16th Annual Summit in Scottsdale, AZ.

Heidi Strommen, TMPAA President and President of ProHost USA stated, “The 2016 Summit theme of Expect Excellence is a perfect backdrop to celebrate the achievements of our members who function at the highest levels, demonstrating expertise in all phases of Program Administration. We are pleased to recognize Business Risk Partners, Euclid Program Managers and Innovative Coverage Concepts as our newest Best Practice Designation recipients.”

“We at Innovative Coverage Concepts are proud to receive this prestigious designation from Target Markets. It recognizes our efforts and commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards in conducting program business,” said Dean Carras, President. “Emerging from TMPAA’s rigorous due diligence process with its Best Practices designation is truly an honor and we look forward to serving our program business partners as a best-in-class agency for many years to come.”

“Achieving the Target Markets Best Practices Designation is an honor and marks another milepost in the progress and development of Euclid Program Managers. We view the designation as an industry standard, one that reflects the highest level of professionalism which is a hallmark of the Euclid underwriting companies. We are thankful to Target Markets for their support and are proud to be a Target Market Best Practice firm,” stated John Colis, President.

“Preparing for TMPAA's Best Practices review was an excellent experience for our company similar in intensity to a super comprehensive carrier audit. Business Risk Partners is proud to have met the high standards required for receiving this designation and to be among a group of peers who we not only learn from continually but who represent the very best at what they do,” said Linda Doherty Boborodea, Chief Operating Officer.

The Association’s 16th Annual Summit was attended over 850 program business professionals representing 170 program agencies and the group’s 60 program carriers. Keynote presentations on leadership and excellence were provided by keynote speakers Peyton Manning and retired Navy SEAL Coleman Ruiz. The Insurance Information Institute's new President and CEO, Sean Kevelighan also spoke to the group about important industry trends.

The Target Markets Program Administrators Association’s 2017 Mid-Year Meeting is scheduled for May 15-17 in Arlington, VA. Program specialists/MGAs interested in learning more about the TMPAA Best Practice Designation or the Association can find information at www.targetmarkets.com or by calling 877-347-5700.

Information about the Best Practice designated agencies can be found at these websites: Business Risk Partners, www.businessriskpartners.com; Euclid Program Managers, www.euclidprograms.com; Innovative Coverage Concepts, www.innocov.com.

ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION
The Target Markets Program Administrators Association is an organization dedicated to the unique challenges of insurance program administration. The TMPAA’s mission is to help program administrators conduct their business more efficiently, with greater proficiency and profitability. The organization provides its members with an array of business and educational services including access to program carrier decision makers, best practice recognition, Target University, program marketing and distribution, industry studies and two annual member meetings.

NSM INSURANCE GROUP COMPLETES FIRST INTERNATIONAL ACQUISITION WITH VANTAGE HOLDINGS

CONSHOHOCKEN, PA (October XX, 2016) - NSM Insurance Group, the national leader of industry-specific insurance program administration, announced Tuesday that it has acquired Vantage Holdings, a leading collector car and outdoor leisure program administrator in the UK, subject to FCA approval. This marks NSM Insurance Group's first international acquisition, and will serve as a platform for expanding NSM's presence in UK markets.

Vantage Holdings, which includes Vantage Insurance Services and Classic Insurance Services, is an industry-specific insurance program administrator that was established in 2004. The Classic Insurance Services program, which specializes in insuring classic cars, classic motor trade and high net worth collections, is the fourth collector car insurance program to be added to NSM's portfolio. Additionally, Vantage Insurance Services is one of the largest insurers of outdoor leisure and tour operator liability in the UK.

"We are excited to welcome Vantage Holdings to the NSM family," Geof McKernan, CEO of NSM Insurance Group, said. "A key aspect of our growth plans for this year was to find an opportunity to expand our business at the international level. We were attracted to Vantage because they have been aggressive and efficient in building their business over the past decade and have a reputation as a leading program administrator. Like us, Vantage is laser-focused on products for niche industries where they can achieve profitable, sustainable and renewable growth. Their shared approach to the insurance marketplace coupled with their ambitious, fast paced culture made Vantage a natural for us."

"We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with a business like NSM," John Collyear, CEO of Vantage said. "They, like us, are a highly specialized program administrator with substantial underwriting authority entrusted to them by their carriers. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead as we embark on a growth strategy and the beginning of our next chapter of development with NSM."

"NSM likes to do business with the UK because the insurance market is relationship driven and insurers continue to be innovative in their product design and in their overall view on insuring a very wide array of exposures," McKernan explained. "This acquisition provides us with a platform for entering the marketplace in the UK and competing on the international level. We will continue to enhance and grow Vantage's current books of business in the collector car, outdoor leisure and tourism spaces, and explore opportunities to expand into new industries."

About NSM Insurance Group
For more than 25 years, NSM Insurance Group has been an industry leader in the development, implementation, marketing and underwriting of industry-specific insurance programs and has grown to over $500 million in annual premium. The company's insurance programs include social services and behavioral health; CAT driven property; collector cars; workers' compensation; aviation; sports and fitness; microbreweries; and professional liability for architects and engineers. NSM Insurance Group is aggressively seeking to acquire additional niche specific insurance businesses and program manager. For more information, contact Bill McKernan, President, at 800-970-9877 ext. 111.

Larry Simmons Hired as Senior Account Executive with Beacon Hill Associates, Inc.

Beacon Hill Associates, Inc. has announced that Larry Simmons has joined its Southeast Regional Team, handling brokerage opportunities for this territory. Larry brings several years of experience in the insurance industry, most recently serving as an environmental underwriter. In this role, Larry specialized in middle-market accounts with a focus on HAZMAT contractors.

"We are very excited to have someone of Larry's experience join our team. He brings a deep understanding of environmental coverages and risks, with a strong underwriting perspective. We expect him to make a substantial impact to our production in this region of the country." said Bill Pritchard, President of Beacon Hill Associates, Inc.

Now in its 26th year of business, Beacon Hill Associates, Inc. is a leader in providing environmental and energy coverages to agents around the country. They take pride in offering their agents and insureds effective coverage from quality carriers in a fast, efficient manner. Beacon Hill takes a consultative approach to its business, and has developed many resources they make available to partner agencies to help educate their clients about environmental exposures. Beacon Hill currently writes business in forty-eight states, and corresponds with over 5,000 agents regularly. Having handled more than 50,000 accounts since 1990, they have the experience necessary to be successful in today's competitive marketplace.

Additional information on Beacon Hill Associates and its products and services can be found at www.b-h-a.com or by calling 1-800-596-2156.

Jim Giordano to join DUAL North America as Non-Executive Director

Justin Tweedie is pleased to announce that Jim Giordano will be joining DUAL North America as a Non-Executive Director. "In this role Jim will provide a creative and knowledgeable contribution to the DUAL Board in areas relating to corporate strategy, underwriting and financial performance as well as bringing a wealth of strong carrier and producer knowledge that he has built over the years," Tweedie said.

With over 40 years' of experience in the industry, Jim has held a number of senior roles including more recently being co founder and Chief Underwriting Officer of the Canopius Group which he was involved with for over a decade before retiring in April, 2015 post the acquisition by the Sompo Group.

Prior to Canopius, he was Chief Underwriting Officer of Trenwick Managing Agents Ltd and Chairman of Trenwick America Reinsurance Company's Underwriting Committee. He joined Trenwick in 1999 when Chartwell (formerly NWNL Re which he joined in 1981) was acquired by Trenwick Group Ltd. Prior to that Jim worked at both American Re and the Hartford Group.

Jim is currently on the Boards of Endurance at Lloyds, Endurance Worldwide Insurance Ltd, and Cinium Financial Group.

Jim has a BS from Niagara University and MBA from the University of Hartford. He currently lives in Naples, Florida.

About DUAL Commercial, LLC.
DUAL Commercial LLC is a leading Specialty Program Administrator offering property & casualty products through several specialized subsidiary companies. DUAL Commercial currently has 11 underwriting offices throughout North America that underwrite and manage unique insurance programs utilizing advanced technology and simplified distribution methods. DUAL Commercial is a part of the DUAL Group, which is the world's largest international underwriting agency and Lloyd's largest international coverholder with offices in 17 countries.

Appalachian Underwriters, Inc. Brokerage Division Welcomes New Property Broker, Aaron Reilly

Oak Ridge, Tennessee September 21, 2016 - Appalachian Underwriters, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of a new Property Broker, Aaron Reilly, to the Sarasota, Florida office. Aaron's understanding of specific markets' appetites will streamline the process and obtain the most aggressive pricing and broadest terms. Aaron will be developing new business opportunities throughout the country in various Property and Casualty placements, including Catastrophic Wind within the following classes: habitational, assisted living facilities, hotel/motels, religious organizations, retail strips/shopping centers and warehouses.

Appalachian Underwriters, Inc. is a full-service MGA and Wholesale Insurance Brokerage, providing independent agents a national outlet to multiple specialized markets for Workers' Compensation, Commercial Specialty, and Personal Lines of insurance. Principals of Appalachian Underwriters are Bill Arowood and Bob Arowood. To learn more about Appalachian Underwriters, Inc., please visit www.appund.com.

Appalachian Underwriters, Inc. Welcomes New Western Regional Vice President, Jeanette Budde

Oak Ridge, Tennessee September 15, 2016 - Appalachian Underwriters, Inc. welcomes new Western Regional Vice President, Jeanette Budde to their Scottsdale, AZ office. Jeanette's role will focus on profitably growing Workers' Compensation business and other product lines in the western part of the United States. Jeanette has experience in Workers' Compensation, Property, General Liability, Inland Marine, Umbrella, Professional, Crime and other specialty protection. She held the title of being an insurance producer for 17 years and 11 years in multi-line commercial underwriting and marketing.

To Jeanette, the insurance industry offers nothing but exciting opportunities: "In this industry, we touch the lives of nearly everyone" says Budde. "The service and financial stability our industry offers to individuals and businesses are critical to their success." According to Jeanette, the insurance industry provides opportunity to serve in a wide variety of roles and make valuable contribution.

Appalachian Underwriters, Inc. is a full-service MGA and Wholesale Insurance Brokerage, providing independent agents a national outlet to multiple specialized markets for Workers' Compensation, Commercial Specialty, and Personal Lines of insurance. Principals of Appalachian Underwriters are Bill Arowood and Bob Arowood. To learn more about Appalachian Underwriters, Inc., please visit www.appund.com.

ICBUSA and the Landy Insurance Agency Announce Strategic Partnership

ICBUSA and the Landy Insurance Agency have formed a partnership to offer ICBUSA members professional insurance services including professional liability insurance, privacy and cybercrime coverage, as well as risk management and educational programs. The goal of the partnership is to allow ICBUSA members to obtain needed insurance coverages while reducing risk in their accounting and bookkeeping practices.

ICBUSA is the newest member of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers global family, the largest professional membership organization for bookkeepers in the world. ICB's aim is to raise the standard of bookkeeping in the United States, and help promote the importance of the bookkeeping profession to small businesses world-wide.

ICB offers independent certification of bookkeeping and technical knowledge, as well as local, national, and international networking opportunities, and career and business support. ICB members gain access to all the support they need to start or grow their business, to get ahead in their employment, or to further their education in the field. At the same time, they will be kept fully up to date on all the changes occurring in the profession and learn how to take advantage of the new technologies becoming available all the time. "This will be of great value to ICB members" says ICBUSA CEO Jan Haugo, "and we are excited to be able to give them this opportunity to feel safe in the knowledge that their firms are protected."

The Landy Insurance Agency, founded in 1949, is a national leader in providing professional insurance services, and has been insuring accounting professionals continuously since 1962. The Landy Agency offers innovative solutions to assist bookkeepers and other professionals obtain the most appropriate and cost-effective coverages. "We are honored to have been chosen by ICB to offer our services to its members", states John Torvi, Landy's vice president of marketing & sales. "Many of our insurance services are directly focused on the size and type of businesses of ICB members. In addition, our risk management programs will directly benefit these professionals who might not otherwise have access to vital information that can help them avoid malpractice claims and improve business operations. We also hope that Landy's long tenure in working with accounting professionals brings additional exposure to the all of the valuable services offered by ICB."

For more information about ICBUSA and the Landy Insurance Agency, please contact:
ICBUSA - Jan Haugo at info@icbusa.org, 480-207-5156
Landy Agency - John Torvi, VP of Marketing & Sales at johnt@landy.com, 781-292-5417

Executive Leadership Changes Support Growth Strategy for Breckenridge Insurance Group

ATLANTA, Ga., August 22, 2016 - Breckenridge Insurance Group has filled several key leadership positions due to planned growth. The wholesale specialty insurance provider continues its efforts to strengthen operations and distribution capabilities with the hiring of two new executives in addition to the transition of another executive.

Pete Feeney, CIC has been named as president of the Breckenridge Insurance Services brokerage division charged with overseeing its expansion plans in specialty markets. Before Breckenridge, Feeney was a senior vice president and sales leader at Swett & Crawford. At Swett, he rose to become the manager of the Scarborough, Maine office and head of the eastern division of the transportation group during his eighteen-year tenure. Feeney will be located in the Portland, Maine area offices while overseeing the team nationally. He can be reached at pfeeney@breckis.com or 207-808-4943.

"Pete is someone we've admired in the industry over the years for his quality operation and demonstrated success," commented Tracey Carragher, CEO of Breckenridge Insurance Group. "His collaborative approach, teamwork and drive are key values we hold dear at Breckenridge. We welcome Pete to our organization in this pivotal leadership role," she added.

"Joining Breckenridge affords me tremendous access and growth opportunities in helping serve the needs of our agents now and into the future," shared Feeney. "I've known of the Breckenridge expansion efforts, and I'm happy to help drive this vision forward as a leader within this exciting company," he added.

With nearly forty years of insurance expertise, Ron Boudreaux also joins Breckenridge Insurance Services as executive vice president of national accounts. Boudreaux was last a senior vice president at Swett & Crawford with a focus on workers' compensation and casualty risks. He previously worked at Zurich as the manager of their Minneapolis, Minnesota branch and is a graduate of the Wharton Business School. Boudreaux has established a new office for Breckenridge in Minneapolis and can be reached at rboudreaux@breckis.com or 612-889-0718.

"Ron is a focused and passionate professional. He brings tremendous knowledge and energy to our team," stated Carragher. "We're pleased Ron has joined us and I know he will make immediate contributions as a proven risk management professional," she added.

Robert J. Matamoros has been named executive vice president of specialized distribution for Breckenridge Insurance Group. Matamoros last oversaw the Breckenridge Insurance Services brokerage division as executive vice president. He will now focus on the optimization of distribution across the group in this newly created position.

"Bob is a dedicated team member and well respected in the industry. This new role affords him the opportunity to take his knowledge of the marketplace and best target where we can drive growth across our diverse, specialized capabilities by building deeper relationships," stated Carragher.

About Breckenridge Insurance Group
Breckenridge Insurance Group, headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., is an international specialty wholesale insurance broker, program manager, managing general agent (MGA) and insurance services provider. The company offers access to a diverse range of commercial insurance and financial services products to businesses and professional services firms in a variety of industries by way of Blue River Underwriters, OSC, Breckenridge Insurance Services, Breckenridge Elevation Authorities contract binding group and InSpecialty. For more information, please visit www.breckgrp.com or call 630.945.3878. CA Insurance License #0G13592

NetRate Systems Expands Its Sales Team with Another Industry Veteran

Former Rating and Policy Admin Solutions Sales Executive, Leslie Curtis, Joins Leading Commercial Lines Rating Firm for MGAs, Program Administrators, Lloyd's Coverholders, and Insurers

Okemos, MI, August 16, 2016 - NetRate Systems, Inc. is pleased to announce the hiring of Leslie Curtis as Sales Executive. One of her multiple responsibilities is educating the MGA, Program Administrator, Lloyd's Coverholders and Risk Takers, and Insurer market places about the powerful capabilities of NetRate Systems' latest release, the NetRate Portal. Leslie's 15 years of experience working with MGA's, brokers, and insurers to find Vertafore rating and Epic-Premier policy admin solutions is going to be a tremendous benefit to both NetRate and all that have the opportunity to work with her. Understanding the needs of these market places will help her package a cost effective NetRate Systems solution that increases the efficiency of insurance operations from the suite of submit, quote, underwrite, issue, report, and data analysis capabilities available on the hosted, web based NetRate Portal platform.

"We are very pleased and excited to welcome Leslie to the NetRate team", said Tom Rahl, Vice President of Sales. "Leslie is joining us at a time of high growth as we continue to enhance and expand our capabilities to deliver solutions that help the commercial insurance marketplace streamline operations, gain deeper insights from their data, and enhance the customer experience. Leslie's knowledge of the marketplace and extensive experience will enable her to provide insights to the marketplace on how to best leverage the capabilities of the NetRate Portal solutions to the benefit of their underwriting, sales & marketing, and IT teams. As we continue to enhance and deliver solutions ranging from cloud-based web services to functionally rich end-to-end systems, she will be an important part of our sales and marketing effort."

Leslie is equally excited about becoming a part of the NetRate family, commenting: "NetRate is a proven industry leader and I have always admired NetRate for their superior solutions and professionalism. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to return to the rating segment and I'm elated to be part of the team".

About NetRate Systems, Inc.
NetRate Systems, Inc. supplies Commercial Lines Submission, Underwriting, Rating, Policy Issuance, and Data Reporting and Analysis Systems to the Property and Casualty insurance marketplace, primarily to MGAs, Program Administrators, Lloyd's Coverholders, and Insurers. Its systems are designed to eliminate manual references, reduce data entry key strokes, and automate rating through the full policy life cycle. NetRate Systems products include nationwide rating of ISO® General Liability, Property, Business Auto, BOP, Crime, and Inland Marine, as well as NCCI Workers Comp. NetRate also offers custom development of all lines of business. NetRate rating and policy issuance solutions include cloud-based web portals and web services that power web-based point-of-sale submission, rate, quote, and issue applications. NetRate Systems also provides integration of third-party data sources and services to speed up the quoting and subsequent reporting processes. The firm also has strong partnerships and integrations with third-party policy administration systems. For more information, please visit www.netrate.com.

For more information regarding this news release, please contact:

Tom Rahl
NetRate Systems, Inc.
(517) 347-4900 x113
Email: trahl@netrate.com

Smart Choice® Opens Louisiana With New Territory Manager

HIGH POINT, N.C. (August 11, 2016) - The Smart Choice® Agents Program is now offering access to markets in Louisiana, and has added Jason Morris as Territory Manager of the state. Morris is a veteran of the financial services industry, and an experienced independent agency owner who brings strong leadership qualities to his role. "I'm excited to offer agents a platform for accessing carriers that I didn't have," said Morris. "I was attracted to this program because of its ability to help both newer and older agencies. This should fill some huge gaps in the Louisiana insurance marketplace."

Smart Choice has had two record breaking years in a row both in new agency partner additions and in total premium growth. "Adding strong leadership in each state will continue to be essential in making each agency partner's experience valuable. We are choosing people who know this industry well, and know how to help our agency partners reach their full potential," said Paul Taylor, Smart Choice Executive Vice President. The addition of Jason in Louisiana gives Smart Choice a new presence in the state, and will assist new partner agencies in gaining access to much-needed markets.

Smart Choice offers a wide range of products and services to its partner agencies, including access to personal, commercial and life markets, in addition to business builder and business saver products. Currently serving over 5,100 agents in 41 states, Smart Choice has partnered with over 85 nationwide and local carriers.

The Smart Choice® Agents Program is a wholly-owned program of Worldwide Insurance Network, Inc. (WIN), headquartered in High Point, North Carolina. For more information, visit www.smartchoiceagents.com.

Smart Choice® Adds 600 New Agency Partners First Half of 2016

HIGH POINT, N.C. (August 9, 2016) - 2016 is off to a record start with the addition of 603 new agency partners, bringing the total number of agency partners in the program to just over 5,130, and making it the fastest growing agency network in the industry. Overall, the company has experienced 18 percent in total premium growth so far in 2016. At this same point in time last year, Smart Choice® had added just 438 new agency locations.

This achievement comes on the heels of a record breaking year for the company in 2015, when the program experienced nearly 15 percent growth in gross revenues, and added over 800 agency partners. Just two years ago in 2014, the company added 630 agencies for the entire year - a record number at the time.

"We are growing exponentially," said President, Andrew Caldwell. "In 2016 we committed to adding 1,000 additional agency partner locations and at this point we expect to not only meet that goal, but surpass it. We are breaking business records year after year. And our growth is a direct result of the need that exists in the independent insurance marketplace."

The program offers a wide range of products and services to its partner agencies, including access to personal, commercial and life markets, in addition to business builder and business saver products. Currently serving over 5,100 agents in 41 states, Smart Choice has partnered with over 85 nationwide and local carriers.

The Smart Choice® Agents Program is a wholly-owned program of Worldwide Insurance Network, Inc. (WIN), headquartered in High Point, North Carolina. For more information, visit www.smartchoiceagents.com.

PartnerOne Environmental Opens Jacksonville, FL Office

PartnerOne Environmental has announced the opening of a new regional office in Jacksonville, Florida. The strategic location and the addition of Michelle Huitt as Assistant Vice President and Marie Maxwell as Underwriter will allow the company to better serve new and existing agents.

The new team members will help manage the PartnerOne Fuel Solutions program, a product that addresses traditional storage tank accounts, as well as other alternative and renewable fuel storage risks. Huitt and Maxwell both have extensive insurance industry experience underwriting coverage and managing storage tank programs for some of the industry's top carriers.

"We are so happy to have Michelle and Marie join the PartnerOne team," said Amanda Duncan, President of PartnerOne Environmental. "Utilizing their past experience allows us a wonderful opportunity to further expand our underwriting platform with the offering of PartnerOne Fuel Solutions."

PartnerOne Environmental® is a fully integrated source for environmental insurance products. It provides coverage for a variety of small- to middle-market contractors, consultants, and facility owners and managers. All products are quoted, bound, and issued in-house, enabling PartnerOne Environmental to provide fast turnaround times and excellent service. PartnerOne Environmental coverages are offered by carriers rated "A+." www.p1enviro.com

If you would like more information on environmental insurance products, please contact PartnerOne Environmental at 1-800-596-0172 or p1info@p1enviro.com.

RSG's ThinkRisk Underwriting Agency announces Converging Risk Program Expansion and New Underwriting Partnership

May 18, 2016, CHICAGO, IL - Ryan Specialty Group's (RSG) ThinkRisk Underwriting Agency (ThinkRisk) announced today that they have entered into a new underwriting partnership that will significantly expand their underwriting appetite, increase their available capacity and enhance and expand the coverage under their current Converging Risk program. ThinkRisk will transition its existing Converging Risk program - specialized errors and omissions insurance for media, advertising, technology, privacy and network security risks - from Aspen U.S. Insurance to certain underwriters at Lloyd's of London.

Program enhancements include the expansion of the annual revenue threshold to $1 Billion, the introduction of Cyber Crime coverages, the ability to offer $10M in primary policy limits (with up to $5M limits in addition to the liability limit for First Party Data Privacy related expenses), broadening of its underwriting appetite to offer cyber, privacy and media related coverages for certain segments of Financial Institution and Real Estate classes including privately held insurance companies, financial advisors, mortgage brokers, real estate and title agents, collection firms and others.

ThinkRisk's President Nicole Haggerty stated, "We are excited to broaden our program's appetite and now have the capability to offer cyber related coverages to many currently underserved classes within the SME market. Being able to consider firms with revenues up to $1 Billion will also differentiate us in the marketplace. Additionally, new coverage enhancements such as Cyber Crime and the capability to now offer $10M limits will significantly increase our market competitiveness and will offer a real "win" for our brokers and their clients."

ThinkRisk's Executive Vice President Reza Khan added, "The expansion of our Converging Risk program is a recognition that cyber exposures are continually changing. Underwriters that service this segment need to address these evolving exposures if they are going to be able to continue to offer relevant coverage to their policyholders".

For more information about these program enhancements and distribution opportunities, please contact: Reza Khan, rkhan@thinkriskins.com, 646-612-7808.

About ThinkRisk:
ThinkRisk is a leading underwriting facility specializing in U.S. media, E&O, cyber and privacy related products. Coverage is available on both a primary and excess basis. www.thinkrisk.com

ThinkRisk is a series of Ryan Specialty Group Underwriting Managers, LLC. RSG Underwriting Managers is a Delaware series limited liability company and a subsidiary of Ryan Specialty Group, LLC, specializing in underwriting management and other services for insurance products distributed through agents and brokers. In California: RSG Insurance Services, LLC, Lic. #0E50879. © 2016 Ryan Specialty Group, LLC

About Ryan Specialty Group:
Ryan Specialty Group, LLC, is a global holding company that includes a wholesale brokerage, highly specialized underwriting management companies and specialty services designed specifically for agents, brokers and insurers. www.ryansg.com

RT SPECIALTY CONTINUES TO EXPAND IN NEW YORK OFFICE

May 19, 2016, CHICAGO, IL - R-T Specialty, LLC (RT Specialty), the wholesale brokerage unit of Ryan Specialty Group, LLC, has announced it has hired J.C. Sparling who is based in New York, NY.

J.C. Sparling is a seasoned property wholesale broker who has been in the business for over 25 years. With the hiring of J.C., RT Specialty expands its property reach utilizing the knowledge and depth that he brings with his vast experience and skill level. Previous to RT, J.C. held senior positions at CRC, Mercator Risk Services and Marsh.

RT Specialty Chairman and CEO, Timothy W. Turner said, "We are pleased to have J.C. join RT in the NY office. J.C.'s addition is a strong complement to our recent expansion there."

Brenda (Ballard) Austenfeld, President - National Property Practice, RT Specialty, remarked, "We are thrilled to have J.C. join us in the RT New York office. The talent that J.C. brings to the RT property team further enhances our deep bench of experts." J.C. Sparling, Executive Vice President, comments, "I am excited to be a part of the RT property team and to work with my new colleagues in New York and RT Specialty."

J.C. can be reached at: JC.Sparling@rtspecialty.com, 646-871-8365

RT Specialty
R-T Specialty, LLC (RT), a subsidiary of Ryan Specialty Group, LLC, provides wholesale brokerage and other services to agents and brokers. RT is a Delaware limited liability company based in Illinois. In California: R-T Specialty Insurance Services, LLC License #0G97516. ©2016 Ryan Specialty Group, LLC.

PIANY members meet legislators at Capitol to discuss insurance issues during Albany Lobby Day

ALBANY, N.Y.-Professional Insurance Agents of New York State Inc. members met with their legislators at their Albany offices during the association's Albany Lobby Day, May 10, 2016. The PIANY members included: PIANY President Gene Sandy, CIC; PIANY President-elect John Parsons II, CIC, CPIA, AAI; PIANY Director Anthony Kammas; and PIANY past President Richard A. Savino, CIC, CPIA. They discussed the association's 2016 legislative priorities, which include: standardizing hurricane deductible triggers; reforms to the New York State Insurance Fund; and continuing-education credits requirements for insurance producers.

The PIANY members meet with Sen. Neil D. Breslin, D-44, ranking minority member of the Senate Insurance Committee; Sen. Todd Kaminsky, D-9; Sen. James L. Seward, R-51, chair of the Senate Insurance Committee; Assemblyman Will Barclay, R-120; Assemblyman Kevin A. Cahill, D-103, chair of the Assembly Insurance Committee; and Assemblyman Kenneth P. Zebrowski, D-96.

"The day offered a great opportunity to thank our elected officials for sponsoring legislation, A.7537-A/S.253, which would standardize the deductible triggers for coastal homeowners policies," said Sandy. "PIANY is grateful to the senators and assemblymen for taking the time to discuss these issues that are important to professional, independent insurance agents and the insurance-buying public across the state."

PIANY members meet legislators to discuss insurance issues during Albany Lobby Day.

Additionally, the PIANY members asked their representatives to pass legislation recently reported by the Senate Labor Committee S.5250/A.7742, which would repeal a state law requiring policyholders to provide 30 days' advance written notice to the New York State Insurance Fund before canceling a policy. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. James L. Seward, R-51, and Assemblyman Zebrowski was introduced at the request of PIANY because the requirement is burdensome to New York's small businesses.

They also explained the difficulty Section 2132 of the New York State Insurance Law presents to agents, small-business owners as it requires a licensee to "double down" on CE during overlapping two-year licensing periods for both individual and business entity licenses.

PIANY is working on behalf of professional, independent agents, their businesses and their clients for the passage of a comprehensive legislative agenda in 2016, which includes:

Worldwide Facilities Acquires Sloan Mason

Expands Presence in the Energy Market

LOS ANGELES AND SAN DIEGO, CA - May 5, 2016 - Worldwide Facilities, a national wholesale brokerage and managing general agency, today announced an agreement to acquire Sloan Mason Insurance Services, a wholesale insurance broker specializing in coverage placements for the energy and energy related businesses. Paul Mason and his team will join Worldwide Facilities.

This acquisition represents a significant expansion of Worldwide Facilities' footprint in the energy space, where Sloan Mason has extensive contacts and specialized knowledge. It will also broaden the markets and products available to the retail brokers and agents served by Worldwide Facilities.

"Sloan Mason's specialized business model and industry verticals match well with our growing specialty product practice groups. Paul built a great business, and we are very pleased to have him and his team join our organization" said Davis Moore, Chief Executive Officer of Worldwide Facilities.

Mason, who founded Sloan Mason in 2001 and has served as its President, brings extensive expertise in placing commercial insurance for retail insurance agents and brokers in the areas of energy and environmental. He will assume a leadership position as Executive Vice President with Worldwide Facilities in the new San Diego office.

"On behalf of my team, we are excited to become part of the expanding brand Worldwide Facilities has created. With technical and market expertise in our specialty areas, we know we will be a great asset to the organization and are excited to capitalize on the opportunities," says Mason.

In 2015, Worldwide Facilities received an investment from Lovell Minnick Partners, a private equity firm specializing in investing in financial and related business services.

About Worldwide Facilities, LLC
Worldwide Facilities is a national wholesale insurance broker and managing general agent that has been in business since 1970. Our seasoned brokers and underwriters are industry leaders in providing expertise in a wide range of specialty lines, and offer extensive contacts with carriers domestically and overseas.

Media Contact: Erika Guerra, EGuerra@wwfi.com, Direct: (213) 236-4509

Venture Expands Availability of SPORTSMAN Program with Allied World

West Chester, Pa.-May 3 , 2016- Venture Insurance Programs (www.ventureprograms.com), a national insurance program administrator, today announced that it has added Allied World Assurance Company (AWAC) as a new market for its SPORTSMAN program, which serves hunting and fishing resorts, lodges and private clubs.

AWAC will serve as an additional carrier option in 14 states for SPORTSMAN, which is available in all 50 states through two other carriers.

SPORTSMAN will now provide its admitted package program through AWAC in: Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, Nebraska, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin. AWAC is rated "A" (Excellent) Class XV by A.M. Best Company, as are Sportsman's existing carrier partners.

"Adding AWAC as an additional carrier for SPORTSMAN gives our agents and brokers an excellent new option when writing hunting and fishing resorts, lodges, plantations and private clubs," said Philip J. Harvey, Venture president and founder.

SPORTSMAN is a leading insurance provider to the hunting and fishing resort industry. The SPORTSMAN package includes property, general liability, crime, commercial auto, liquor liability, cyber and privacy liability, umbrella liability and workers' compensation. For more on SPORTSMAN visit http://ventureprograms.com/programs/hunting-fishing-lodges/.

About Venture Insurance Programs
Venture Insurance Programs (www.ventureprograms.com) is a leading program administrator that designs, underwrites and distributes industry-specific insurance packages. Based in West Chester, Pa., Venture has underwriting alliances with the world's leading carrier groups, including Chubb, Allied World, RSUI, USLI, Zurich North America, State National, Monitor and Lloyd's of London. Founded in 1993, Venture provides specialty insurance packages for select vertical industries-including golf and country clubs, golf destination resorts, hotels, resorts, commercial marine, hunting and fishing lodges and city and social clubs.

Maritime Program Group Awarded TMPAA Best Practice Honors

Wilmington, DE– April 26, 2016 – The Target Markets Program Administrators Association (TMPAA) awarded Maritime Program Group the Association’s Best Practice Designation at their recent Mid-Year Meeting in Arlington, VA.

“Target Markets is celebrating its 15th year focusing on the Program Specialist,” stated Heidi Strommen, President of the TMPAA and President of ProHost USA. “Promoting best practices in programs is a critical influence the Association brings to this industry segment. Our Best Practice Designation provides us the opportunity to showcase Association members who exceed industry standards and have demonstrated their superior expertise in program administration. We are pleased to award Maritime Program Group this designation.”

“We are very proud to be recognized by the TMPAA with the Best Practices Designation,” indicated Christopher Pesce, President of Maritime Program Group. “It’s a great validation of the hard work, diligence and quality that we strive to maintain as a high performing program administrator. No matter how operationally proficient an agency is, every program administrator could benefit from this thorough review and find areas of improvement. Overall, it was a great experience and we’re proud to be in an elite peer group of program administrators.”

The Association’s Mid-Year Meeting was attended by nearly 600 program business professionals including representatives from over 125 program agencies and the group’s 55 program carriers. Attendees had the privilege of hearing a keynote address from former Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, Dr. Ben S. Bernanke. The Target Markets Program Administrators Association’s 16th Annual Summit is scheduled for October 17-19, 2016 in Scottsdale, AZ with keynote speaker Peyton Manning.

Information about Maritime Program Group can be found at www.maritimepg.com.

The Target Markets Program Administrators Association is an organization dedicated to the unique challenges of insurance program administration. The TMPAA’s mission is to help program administrators conduct their business more efficiently, with greater proficiency and profitability. The organization provides its membership with an array of business and educational services including access to program carrier decision makers, Best Practice information and recognition, Target University, program marketing, Industry benchmarking studies and two annual member meetings.

Program administrators/MGAs interested in learning more about Target Markets can visit the Association’s website at www.targetmarkets.com or contact Ray Scotto, Executive Director, at (877) 347-5700 or ray.scotto@targetmkts.com.

PIA calls on agents to participate in longest-running Company Performance Surveys

Anonymous survey gives voice to agents who rate their companies on performance items

GLENMONT, N.Y.-The Professional Insurance Agents of Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey and New York State launched their Company Performance Surveys today. Each survey, available through June 24, 2016, gauges insurance producers' views of the companies they represent in their respective states. Independent agents can rate the companies with which they do business on 20 performance items, including: claims handling, products and pricing, underwriting, technology and marketing support to gauge their relationship with the carriers. The surveys also ask several questions on how each carrier fits into the agency's operations. The survey, which has been conducted for more than a decade in each of the states, is a popular tool for both companies and agents to gauge their relationship and the companies' performance.

"The survey will be available online until Friday, June 24, 2016," said Gene Sandy, CIC, president of PIANY. "We encourage all agents to let their voices be heard and don't forget to comment on companies' strengths and areas for improvement."

"The focal point of the Company Performance Survey continues to be to foster relationships between professional, independent insurance agents and their companies," said Charles J. Caruso, CIC, CPIA, president of PIANJ. "It stands to reason, when the relationships between agents and their companies are strong, everyone benefits; most importantly, our mutual clients."

"We urge all professional, independent insurance agents to take part in the survey, it's not just open to PIA members," said Loretta Lesko, CIC, president of PIACT. "Companies have told us they incorporate the data from this survey into their business plans, so we encourage you to be candid with your responses in this anonymous survey."

Launched in 2002 by PIACT, the biennial Company Performance Surveys have built on years of historical data collected by each respective association. PIA members can view this data on the PIA website at pia.org/GIA/cps/cpsjump.php.

"This is the most comprehensive agent-company relations survey available in the four states," said John Obrey, president of PIANH. "PIA has compiled data from the Company Performance Survey since it began collecting it."

Upon request, PIA-member companies may receive information comparing their results to survey averages as well as including specific, anonymous comments from agents on their services, among other information. Also upon request, agents will be given reports about their companies.

To access each state association's Company Performance Survey log on to: www.pia.org/CT for Connecticut; www.pia.org/NH for New Hampshire; www.pia.org/NJ for New Jersey; and www.pia.org/NY for New York state and click "Take the Company Performance Survey here" under "Read this NOW."

PIACT, PIANH, PIANJ and PIANY are trade associations representing professional, independent insurance agencies, brokerages and their employees throughout their respective states.

Ryan Direct Group completes Midas Underwriting Acquisition

1 April 2016 - Ryan Direct Group (RDG), the leading insurance services business and a subsidiary of Chicago-based Ryan Specialty Group (RSG), are pleased to announce that the acquisition of Midas Underwriting was completed on 31 March 2016, following regulatory approval. This transaction was previously announced on 6 January 2016.

With Midas having joined RDG, the company now has scale and presence in personal and commercial lines in both Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. Midas adds significant premium and distribution firepower to RDG's fast growing home and commercial books, and it will extend the group's reach into standard and non-standard private car.

About Ryan Direct Group
Ryan Direct Group (RDG) is a subsidiary of Ryan Specialty Group, LLC. RDG is a long-established, successful Insurance Solutions Provider that is highly regarded by the insurers, brokers, finance companies and affinity partners with which it works. RDG is involved in all aspects of insurance activities and in every insurance sector from property and casualty to life and motor. RDG has 475 staff across sites in Doncaster, London, Manchester, Preston and Elland.
Visit: www.ryandirectgroup.co.uk

About Ryan Specialty Group, LLC
Ryan Specialty Group, LLC, is a global holding company that includes a wholesale brokerage, highly-specialised underwriting management companies and specialty services designed specifically for agents, brokers and insurers. Visit: www.ryansg.com

For more information please contact:
Ben Welsh, Certus Ltd: 07568 382 040

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Named A 2016 World's Most Ethical Company By The Ethisphere Institute For The 5th Year

ITASCA, Ill., March 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has been recognized by the Ethisphere Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as a 2016 World's Most Ethical Company®.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Ethisphere and the World's Most Ethical Companies designation, which recognizes those companies who align principle with action, work tirelessly to make trust part of their corporate DNA, and in doing so, shape future industry standards by introducing tomorrow's best practices today.

Gallagher has been recognized by Ethisphere for five consecutive years and is the only insurance broker to achieve this distinction. This recognition underscores Gallagher's unwavering commitment to leading ethical business standards and practices.

"Our company is honored and humbled to receive the World's Most Ethical Companies designation for the fifth consecutive year," said J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr., Chairman, President and CEO. "My thanks go to our employees, who remain committed to the highest levels of integrity, business ethics, client service and social responsibility. This recognition serves as further validation that our enduring core values and unique corporate culture are true differentiators and provide a competitive advantage in the marketplace."

"Companies rely on Ethisphere to continually raise and measure the standards of corporate behavior. Those that demonstrate leadership in areas like citizenship, integrity and transparency create more value for their investors, communities, customers and employees, thus solidifying a sustainable business advantage," explained Ethisphere's Chief Executive Officer, Timothy Erblich. "Congratulations to everyone at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. for being recognized as a World's Most Ethical Company."

Methodology & Scoring
The World's Most Ethical Company assessment is based upon the Ethisphere Institute's Ethics Quotient™ (EQ) framework developed over years of research and vetted and refined by the expert advice from Ethisphere's World's Most Ethical Company Methodology Advisory Panel. The EQ offers a quantitative way to assess a company's performance in an objective, consistent and standardized way.

The information collected provides a comprehensive sampling of definitive criteria of core competencies, rather than all aspects of corporate governance, risk, sustainability, compliance and ethics. Scores are generated in five key categories: ethics and compliance program (35%), corporate citizenship and responsibility (20%), culture of ethics (20%), governance (15%) and leadership, innovation and reputation (10%), and provided to all companies who participate in the process.

Honorees
The full list of the 2016 World's Most Ethical Companies can be found at http://worldsmostethicalcompanies.ethisphere.com/honorees/

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
(NYSE: AJG), an international insurance brokerage and risk management services firm, is headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, has operations in 31 countries and offers client service capabilities in more than 150 countries around the world through a network of correspondent brokers and consultants.

Ethisphere Institute
The Ethisphere® Institute is the global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices that fuel corporate character, marketplace trust and business success. Ethisphere has deep expertise in measuring and defining core ethics standards using data-driven insights that help companies enhance corporate character. Ethisphere honors superior achievement through its World's Most Ethical Companies® recognition program, provides a community of industry experts with the Business Ethics Leadership Alliance (BELA) and showcases trends and best practices in ethics with the publication of Ethisphere magazine. More information about Ethisphere can be found at: http://ethisphere.com.

Media Contacts

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Media Contact
Anna Rozenich
630.285.5954
Anna_rozenich@ajg.com

Ethisphere Media Contact Clea Nabozny
480.397.2658
Clea.Nabozny@ethisphere.com

QBE North America Announces New Agreement with RPS/Plus Companies; Offers Professional Liability Coverage to Insurance Agents and Brokers

NEW YORK, March 8, 2016 -- QBE North America today announced a program underwriting agreement with RPS/Plus Companies, a specialist professional liability managing general underwriter (MGU), to provide Professional Liability Insurance to insurance agents and brokers. This coverage will be provided through QBE North America's A.M. Best "A" rated insurance companies on both an admitted and non-admitted basis.

"We are pleased to join forces with RPS/Plus Companies and its experienced Professional Liability Insurance Programs practice, as this provides us with new opportunities to expand our business and bring QBE Specialty Lines' innovative solutions to the insurance market," said Donald Allard, Senior Vice President, Specialty Programs, QBE North America.

"Our relationship with QBE North America's Specialty Lines business provides us with new opportunities to expand our leading commercial insurance programs. Our agents, and their clients in these vital and dynamic industries, may now take advantage of having the specialized insurance coverage programs their businesses require underwritten by one of the world's most highly regarded and financially sound insurance organizations," said Robert Ciuffreda, Area President, RPS/Plus Companies.

RPS/Plus Companies is a significant source for Professional Liability coverage for insurance agents and brokers within QBE North America. RPS/Plus Companies specializes in small- to mid-size agencies, but can also underwrite larger P&C agencies. Coverages include disciplinary actions, loss of earnings, and pre-claims assistance.

The Specialty Programs unit, part of QBE Specialty, partners with MGA/MGU program administrators to underwrite risks across a wide variety of industry sectors including Accident & Health, Aviation, Public Company, Private Company, Commercial Errors & Omissions, Financial Institutions, Transactional Liability, Trade Credit, Surety, and Inland Marine risk, for appointed retail and wholesale producers.

About QBE
QBE North America is part of QBE Insurance Group Limited, one of the largest insurers and reinsurers worldwide. QBE NA reported Gross Written Premiums in 2015 of $4.6 billion. QBE Insurance Group's 2015 results can be found at www.qbena.com. Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, QBE operates out of 43 countries around the globe, with a presence in every key insurance market. The North America division, headquartered in New York, conducts business through its property and casualty insurance subsidiaries. QBE insurance companies are rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best and "A+" by Standard & Poor's. Additional information can be found at www.qbena.com, or follow QBE North America on Twitter.

Aegis General Insurance Agency Announces Mark Gatto as Northern Region Marketing Director Specialty personal lines insurance veteran will be responsible for Northern Region

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 8, 2016 -- Aegis General Insurance Agency announced today that Mark Gatto has joined the specialty insurance agency as its Northern Region Marketing Director. Gatto comes to Aegis General with a successful track record in leading growth initiatives through a variety of distribution channels for manufactured homes, low-value dwellings and other specialty personal property. Gatto "will be heavily involved with several large national partners as well as the growth and management of distribution efforts in the Northern Region," Aegis General Senior Vice President of Marketing Jeremy Gluck announced today.

"Mark's relationships and knowledge of the specialty personal lines space will help ensure continued success in the growth of this specialty business, which has exceeded that of the insurance industry overall, in spite of a dramatic downturn in the manufacturing housing industry," Aegis General's CEO Bob Kimmel said. "While other companies have avoided this segment, we not only remain committed to it but intend to pursue continued growth in this space."

Gatto's role at Aegis General will include management of the existing Northern Region, including responsibility for current distribution through general agents and the expansion of Aegis General's agency base in the Northern Region.

Gatto most recently was Vice President of National Accounts for American Modern, where he was responsible for similar specialty insurance business nationally. Prior to American Modern, Gatto maintained similar positions with Markel American, Northland and Foremost. Aegis General Insurance Agency is a unit of K2 Insurance Services LLC, a group of specialty insurance operations, and underwrites on behalf of Aegis Security Insurance Company - also a K2 unit - and other insurers.

Aegis Security is rated "A" by A.M. Best and is admitted in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. K2 Insurance Services acquired Aegis Security in 2013.

K2 Insurance Services also includes five other general agencies that manage, underwrite, and distribute products on behalf of Aegis Security and other carriers. They include Allied Public Risk, High Point Underwriters, Midwestern Insurance Alliance, Mission Select Insurance Services, and Vikco Insurance Services. Additional information is available at www.k2ins.com.

K2 Insurance Services, LLC
514 Via de la Valle, #302
San Diego, California 92075
Bob Kimmel (415) 225 7475

CNA Appoints Jim Gunson Vice President, Auto And Liability Claim

March 7, 2016 -- CNA today announced the appointment of Jim Gunson as Vice President, Auto and Liability Claim. In this role, Jim will be responsible for establishing the strategy and managing the execution necessary to achieve best-in-class claim operations for the company's Auto and Liability lines of business. He will report to Andy Pinkes, Executive Vice President, Worldwide P&C Claim.

"Jim's wide range of experiences and deep industry knowledge make him well suited to lead CNA's Auto and Liability Claim department," Pinkes said. "Under his leadership, we will continue to deliver best-in-class service to our customers."

Jim joins CNA with nearly two decades of executive level insurance and legal experience, most recently serving as Senior Vice President, Worldwide Casualty Claim Manager, at Chubb where he was responsible for claim operations for General Liability, Environmental, Life Science and Mass Tort lines of business. Prior to that role, he served as a Partner at Carroll, McNulty & Kull, LLC, a New Jersey-based law firm. Jim also served as a First Lieutenant for the U.S. Army.

Jim holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Delaware and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Maine.

About CNA
Serving businesses and professionals since 1897, CNA is the country's eighth largest commercial insurance writer and the 14th largest property and casualty company. CNA's insurance products include standard commercial lines, specialty lines, surety, marine and other property and casualty coverages. CNA's services include risk management, information services, underwriting, risk control and claims administration. For more information, please visit CNA at www.cna.com. "CNA" is a service mark registered by CNA Financial Corporation with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Certain CNA Financial Corporation subsidiaries use the "CNA" service mark in connection with insurance underwriting and claims activities.

SIAA Reaches $6 Billion of In-force Written Premium

Among its year-end 2015 highlights, the nation's largest agency alliance signed more than 400 new members for the 7th consecutive year

Mar 7, 2016 - Hampton, N.H. - Reaching a critical milestone, SIAA (Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance) announced today its members reached $6 billion of in-force written premium in 2015. This was achieved as SIAA celebrated its 20th year.

During 2015, for the 7th year in a row, SIAA signed over 400 new member agencies. Since SIAA's first master agency, the SAN Group, was founded in 1983, more than 5,700 member agencies have joined one of SIAA' s Master Agencies, which now total 48.

SIAA is the largest alliance of independent insurance agencies in the country, and it has helped to create more than 3,400 new, independent insurance agencies. In 2015, SIAA's Strategic Partner Companies (carriers) generated $570.3 million in new business.

"The numbers clearly show the success of our unique integrated model, which is dedicated to agency growth and profitability," says Jim Masiello, chairman and chief executive officer of SIAA. "But numbers only tell part of the story. Behind the scenes, we have worked with our Master Agencies to provide Member Agencies with innovative and proven educational, marketing and business development resources."

In 2015, the SIAA marketing team continued to expand the support it provides agencies for website development, mobile apps and social media. SIAA's consumer-facing web portal, Insurancedeals4u.com, continued to provide a convenient way for member agencies and consumers to find each other on the web, while the Business Insurance Advantage education program helped member agencies write new small commercial lines business.

The SIAA Training and Learning Center (TLC) now has more than 1,000 users benefiting from training to advance their careers in insurance. Many of those users were from start-up insurance agency members. Combined with the Agency Foundation program, which provides real-time assistance to start-up agencies, these education resources helped to provide a solid foundation for burgeoning businesses.

About SIAA
SIAA is a national insurance agency alliance dedicated to the creation, retention, growth and continued success of the independent insurance agency distribution system. SIAA has signed more than 5,700 member agencies through 48 master agencies across the country since its inception in 1995. Of that member number, SIAA and its Master Agencies have created over 3,400 new start-up agencies coming predominantly from former captive agents. An estimated 13 percent of all independent agencies in the U.S. are or have been signed members of SIAA. SIAA brings profitable premium growth and quality relationship integration between its member agencies and strategic partner companies, and provides a wide range of resources to help agencies increase sales, retention, revenue and value. For more information on SIAA visit www.siaa.net.

Anthony P. Campisi Named TMPAA President-Elect

The Target Markets Program Administrators Association announced that Anthony (Tony) Campisi has been elected to serve as the TMPAA President following the completion of current President Heidi Strommen’s term in December 2016.

Tony Campisi is the President/CEO of Glatfelter Insurance Group, an all lines, full-service insurance broker providing a wide array of property, casualty, life, accident and health insurance products and risk management services to individuals, businesses and organizations on both a retail and specialty program basis throughout the United States. Tony has been with the Glatfelter organization since 1980 serving in various roles that included Controller, Vice President of Finance, Executive Vice President of Operations and finally as President/CEO in 2000. Prior to his employment at Glatfelter, Tony worked as a CPA for a regional public accounting firm in York, PA. Tony holds a CPCU Designation, a BS in Accounting and Finance from York College of PA and is a Graduate of the Insurance Agency Management Program of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.

“Tony Campisi combines deep knowledge of program business with a pragmatic approach that makes him a highly effective and respected leader,” stated Heidi Strommen, current Association President. “Together with the Advisory Board and the talented Association staff, he will undoubtedly guide our organization along a path of continued success as we provide innovative and critical resources to program specialists while promoting best practices in this industry segment.”

“My long affiliation with Target Markets and service on the Advisory Board has provided great benefits for both me and Glatfelter Insurance Group. The Association’s 15 year history focusing on program specialists has resulted in the development of a unique organization providing key resources for those in this growing industry segment,” said Campisi. “The goal for Target Markets moving forward will be a heightened focus on our member’s feedback to meet their needs in an ever-changing industry, and a continued commitment to the success of program specialists.”

The Association’s Mid-Year Meeting is scheduled for April 18-20 in Arlington, VA. Over 700 Program Business Professionals including decision makers from 60 program markets are expected to be in attendance. Program Specialists/MGAs interested in learning more about the TMPAA can visit the Association website at www.targetmarkets.com or call 877-347-5700.

RT SPECIALTY PROMOTES FROM WITHIN

February 19, 2016, CHICAGO, IL - The Board of Directors of Ryan Specialty Group at their recent quarterly meeting have approved the following executive leadership changes at RT Specialty:

Commenting on these promotions, Patrick G. Ryan, Chairman and CEO of Ryan Specialty Group (RSG) says, "Each of these individuals has proven their leadership over the past five years. RT Specialty was formed in 2010 and in this short time, under the direction of these individuals, RT Specialty has become one of the largest wholesale brokers in the nation. Tim Turner has proven time and again his tremendous leadership, motivational and building skills. Ed McCormack, who has been with RT Specialty since the beginning, continues to be a strong strategic leader. Michael VanAcker has been with RSG and RT since 2011. He is an outstanding talent and will continue to bring excellence to RT Specialty."

Prior to these promotions, Tim Turner had been CEO and President, Ed McCormack had been Chief Operating Officer, and Michael VanAcker had been the company's Controller.

About RT Specialty
R-T Specialty, LLC (RT), a subsidiary of Ryan Specialty Group, LLC, provides wholesale brokerage and other services to agents and brokers. RT is a Delaware limited liability company based in Illinois. In California: R-T Specialty Insurance Services, LLC License #0G97516.

About Ryan Specialty Group
Ryan Specialty Group, LLC is a global holding company which includes a wholesale brokerage, highly-specialized underwriting companies and specialty services designed specifically for agents, brokers and insurers. www.ryansg.com

DUAL is pleased to announce the acquisition of Chelsea Risk Management, Inc.

DUAL is pleased to announce the acquisition of Chelsea Risk Management, Inc., a marine insurance agency based in San Francisco which specializes in coverage for ports, terminals and logistics operators.

"We are excited to enter the Marine arena in North America and this product offering will expand DUAL's burgeoning programs. Andrew Morgan and Julian Strokes will rely on their years of experience in the Marine insurance Industry and with them, we will look to build out from their core product lines into other areas of the Marine Industry," Justin Tweedie, CEO, DUAL Commercial.

The president of CRM, Andrew Morgan, said "We are delighted to be joining the DUAL team and believe that becoming part of the world's largest international insurance underwriting agency will give us the ideal platform to expand our offering to the global marine market." About DUAL Commercial, LLC.

DUAL Commercial LLC is a leading Specialty Program Administrator offering property & casualty products through several specialized subsidiary companies. DUAL Commercial currently has 11 underwriting offices throughout North America that underwrite and manage unique insurance programs utilizing advanced technology and simplified distribution methods. DUAL Commercial is a part of the DUAL Group, which is the world's largest international underwriting agency and Lloyd's largest international coverholder with offices in 17 countries.

Ryan Specialty Group completes acquisition of Warranty & Indemnity experts Hunter George & Partners Ltd

February 1, 2016, CHICAGO, IL- Ryan Specialty Group, the global specialty insurance services business based in Chicago, and Hunter George & Partners Ltd, the specialist MGA focused on insurance solutions for mergers and acquisitions, are pleased to announce that the acquisition of Hunter George & Partners Ltd, was completed on January 31, 2016, following regulatory approval.

This transaction was previously announced on November 16, 2015.

Hunter George founders Ian Theato and Tim Martin will continue leading the business, which features highly specialized underwriting capability for warranty and indemnity, commercial tax liability and contingent risk insurance. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About Ryan Specialty Group, LLC
Ryan Specialty Group, LLC is a global holding company which includes a wholesale brokerage, highly-specialized underwriting companies and specialty services designed specifically for agents, brokers and insurers. www.ryansg.com

For more information please contact: Ben Welsh, Certus Communications Ltd: 07568 382 040

St. John’s University’s School of Risk Management to partner with Target University and the Target Markets Program Administrators Association

Wilmington, DE (January 19, 2016)–The Target Markets Program Administrators Association has announced a collaboration between its Target University and the Center for Professional Education (CPE), an affiliate of St. John’s School of Risk Management (SRM). CPE will provide access to Target University’s suite of 12 online, self-study courses on Program Administration and likewise, St. John’s will grant Target Markets’ members access to CPE courses.

Program Administrators are, in effect, independent contractors for underwriting that provide insurance for specific industries or otherwise unique classes of property and casualty insurance on behalf of insurance companies. Program Administrators write business using a range of distribution and geographical approaches but more often than not produce business through independent insurance agents on a national basis.

Target Markets was formed in 2001 by a handful of Program Administrators in response to the growth of this specialized business model in the P&C industry. Target Markets’ membership now represents close to 300 Program Administrators and 63 Program Insurance Companies.

Target Markets will provide ongoing support to Saint John’s SRM’s Center for Public Education by disseminating information about the school’s online curriculum and by providing access to these courses, at a discounted rate, to Target Markets’ members via a web link on The Target University site. Saint John’s CPE, in turn, will offer a link to Target University courses for individuals not currently members of Target Markets. Successful completion of the University coursework, appropriate industry experience, and membership in Target Markets, can lead to the Certified Program Leader (CPL) designation.

“We are very excited about partnering with the School of Risk Management”, said Heidi Strommen, Target Markets’ President. “St. John’s SRM is a prestigious institution with a rich history of insurance education dating back to 1901. We know that our members will want to take advantage of their CPE’s outstanding course offerings.”

Courses should be available on the Target University and the Saint John’s SRM websites by February 1st.

The Target Markets Program Administrators Association is an organization dedicated to meeting the unique challenges of insurance program administration. The Association’s mission is to help program administrators conduct their business more efficiently, with greater proficiency and profitability. The organization provides its membership with an array of business and educational services including access to program carrier decision makers, Best Practice information and recognition, Target University, program marketing, Target Programs (online portal), Industry studies and two annual member meetings.

The Target Markets’ 2016 Mid-Year Meeting is scheduled for April 18-20 in Washington, DC with Keynote Speaker Dr. Ben S. Bernanke.

Program administrators/MGAs interested in learning more about Target Markets or Target University can visit the Association's website at www.targetmarkets.com or contact Ray Scotto, Executive Director, at (877) 347-5700 or ray.scotto@targetmkts.com.

LANDY INSURANCE AGENCY NAMES MARK DIPENTINO DIRECTOR OF SALES

Herbert H Landy Insurance Agency, Inc. Adds Staff to Meet Increasing Market Growth

Needham, MA - Industry leader Herbert H Landy Insurance Agency, Inc. [“Landy”] established in 1949, has specialized in providing niche liability insurance for professionals. Commonly known as errors and omissions insurance, Landy has been meeting the insurance needs of professionals nationwide for over six decades. As Landy’s market share continues to grow and with increasing opportunity, Landy announces that it has named Mark DiPentino as Director of Sales.

With over thirteen years of providing errors and omissions insurance to real estate brokers, Mark has a wellrounded resume of qualifications that include his facilitating CE classes and risk management workshops for real estate professionals, selling multiple lines of insurance, selling home warranty protection plans and worked as a territory and project manager. He has participated on professional liability insurance Q&A panels at the Greater Las Vegas Association of REALTORs and continues to be actively engaged in community outreach programs.

“Having a background in real estate appraising and mortgage combined with his successful work experience, Mark DiPentino has every asset that we were looking for to lead and further our sales efforts.” Said, John Torvi, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at the Landy Insurance Agency. Betsy Magnuson, president of Landy, adds “We were looking for a quality individual that really understands the specific needs of our clients and will be able to continue with the Landy tradition of service excellence. Mark is a natural fit to our team and we are excited to work with him.”

Mark DiPentino states, “Sales and sales management is really about communicating effectively and making good business decisions to meet the needs of your client; it’s about listening and providing solutions.” DiPentino added, “I look forward to making a difference in protecting the most important investment a business owner has and equally excited in expanding my work experience to include providing insurance solutions for appraisers, accountants, title agencies, mortgage companies and other professionals.”

Mark DiPentino has a proven track record of sales and sales management for over twenty years and has been a decorated top sales achiever. Mark can be reached by phone at 781.292.5432 at www.landy.com/sales or by e-mail at mark@landy.com.

Herbert H Landy Insurance Agency, Inc. is an industry leading professional liability insurance provider. Landy is proud of its association with an expanding nationwide network of independent insurance agents. Landy delivers significant advantages in administration, agency-network management, and product distribution while working in tandem with the insurance industry’s most respected carriers.

Websites for Executive Education Program

The Institutes Executive Education Program at The University of Virginia Darden School Foundation is from March 20, 2016 through March 25, 2016 and provides strategic leadership training tailored to the risk management and property-casualty insurance industry. This program's advanced, five-day interactive learning structure, you will have the opportunity to gain unique insights from your fellow participants’ expertise and experience, as well as build valuable professional relationships.

For more information please visit the website at:

https://www.theinstitutes.org/guide/institutes-executive-education-university-virginia-darden-school-business

You can also view the Executive Education brochure at:

https://www.theinstitutes.org/sites/www.aicpcu.org/files/execed_br2020_1115web.pdf

RT SPECIALTY TO ACQUIRE COUNTRYWIDE BROKERAGE

January 11, 2016, CHICAGO, IL - R-T Specialty, LLC (RT Specialty), the wholesale brokerage unit of Ryan Specialty Group, LLC, has announced it has acquired the assets of Countrywide Brokerage, a wholesale insurance brokerage operation based in Edmonds, WA.

Established in 1995, Countrywide Brokerage has focused on providing their agency partners with insurance solutions in admitted and non-admitted commercial and personal lines markets for hard-to-place risks, specialty products and high net worth homeowners in the western United States.

RT Specialty President and CEO, Timothy W. Turner says, "Sue has built a superior broker team and binding authority platform that will complement our existing Seattle office and in the Northwest. We are delighted to have Sue and her professional team join us at RT Specialty."

Susan Brennan, President of Countrywide Brokerage, remarks, "The entire Countrywide Brokerage team is excited and honored to join with RT Specialty to represent our agents here in the Northwest. RT Specialty shares our business approach with a focus on providing superior customer service while maintaining strong relationships with the companies we represent. Partnering with independently owned RT Specialty will further enhance our ability to provide creative solutions to meet customer needs."

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

For more information on this release, please contact Tara Shertenlieb: 816-412-7564, Tara.Shertenlieb@rtspecialty.com.

RT Specialty
R-T Specialty, LLC (RT), a subsidiary of Ryan Specialty Group, LLC, provides wholesale brokerage and other services to agents and brokers. RT is a Delaware limited liability company based in Illinois. In California: R-T Specialty Insurance Services, LLC License #0G97516. ©2016 Ryan Specialty Group, LLC.

Worldwide Facilities, LLC Opens New South Bay- LA Office; Appoints Brian Vassallo as Senior Vice President

Los Angeles, CA-Worldwide Facilities, a national wholesale insurance brokerage and managing general agent, announces the opening of a new location in the south bay area of Los Angeles, California. Brian Vassallo will serve as Senior Vice President.

In 2005, Vassallo began his career in insurance, building specialized expertise in national infrastructure and commercial and residential construction. He quickly achieved recognition as an authority in these areas, establishing strong relationships with leading underwriting, risk management, law, and third-party vendor companies throughout the country. He later expanded his industry knowledge to include placing challenging risks in the upstream, downstream, and renewable energy markets.

In his new leadership role, Vassallo plans to focus on providing outstanding service to Worldwide Facilities clients and strengthening market relationships-while developing exclusive products and proprietary coverage to better serve their insureds.

"We expect Brian will be an excellent resource for our clients and their insureds in the south bay area of Los Angeles," says Davis Moore, CEO of Worldwide Facilities. "He offers a wealth of experience placing some of the most difficult and complex risks in the industry."

About Worldwide Facilities, LLC.
Worldwide Facilities is a national wholesale insurance broker and managing general agent that has been in business since 1970. Our seasoned brokers and underwriters are industry leaders in providing expertise in a wide range of specialty lines, and offer extensive contacts with carriers domestically and overseas.

For more information, please contact Brian Vassallo at (310) 872-7743 or bv@wwfi.com.

Worldwide Facilities, LLC Expands into Dallas; Appoints Cade Felker and Hayden Haucke as Senior Vice Presidents

Dallas, TX-National wholesale insurance brokerage Worldwide Facilities, LLC, is pleased to announce the opening of its new office in Dallas, Texas. The new office will be headed by Senior Vice Presidents Hayden Haucke and Cade Felker.

Cade Felker began his career in insurance in 2004 as a workers' compensation claims adjuster in the Dallas area. He later gained six years of experience as an underwriter in commercial and industrial construction.

Felker is a specialist in the energy industry, with extensive expertise in managing challenging risk in that sector. He looks forward to providing comprehensive knowledge of energy-related risk to Worldwide Facilities' customers, and to developing new programs and products to serve energy clients.

Hayden Haucke's specialties include placing property and inland marine policies for companies in the energy, trucking, real estate, industrial, and manufacturing sectors. He has developed a number of exclusive inland marine programs for energy and contracting companies and continues to develop new products to address needs of the market.

Haucke plans to leverage extensive experience providing top-tier service to clients and solving the challenges of complex, hard-to-place accounts to the benefit of Worldwide Facilities clients and partners.

"We believe Cade and Hayden are the perfect team to lead our expansion in Dallas," says Davis Moore, CEO of Worldwide Facilities. "Their combination of broad industry knowledge and specialized expertise in the energy sector makes them both uniquely qualified to serve the needs of this market."

About Worldwide Facilities, LLC.
Worldwide Facilities is a national wholesale insurance broker and managing general agent that has been in business since 1970. Our seasoned brokers and underwriters are industry leaders in providing expertise in a wide range of specialty lines, and offer extensive contacts with carriers domestically and overseas.

For more information, please contact Cade Felker at (972) 978-5992 or cfelker@wwfi.com or Hayden Haucke at (214) 536-0882 or hhaucke@wwfi.com.

Dan Freyer to Serve as Senior Vice President of Worldwide Facilities, LLC's Chicago Office

Chicago, IL-Worldwide Facilities LLC, a leading nationwide wholesale insurance brokerage and managing general agent, is pleased to announce its decision to hire Dan Freyer as Senior Vice President of its Chicago office.

Freyer has over 13 years of experience in the industry, specializing in placing challenging casualty risks. His expertise is built on a broad knowledge base spanning primary and excess liability, including construction, energy, and manufacturing.

In this new position, Freyer looks forward to maintaining strong partnerships with clients, co-brokers, and carriers. He brings a client-centered focus to the position, with extensive experience building long-term relationships in the insurance industry.

"Dan offers a very broad geographic reach," says Davis Moore, CEO of Worldwide Facilities. "Our company is known for its extensive industry networks and relationships, and Dan brings contacts and partnerships from every region of the country. We expect he will be a great resource for our staff and clients in Chicago."

About Worldwide Facilities, LLC.
Worldwide Facilities is a national wholesale insurance broker and managing general agent that has been in business since 1970. Our seasoned brokers and underwriters are industry leaders in providing expertise in a wide range of specialty lines, and offer extensive contacts with carriers domestically and overseas.

For more information, please contact Dan Freyer at (708) 638-1492 or dfreyer@wwfi.com.

RDG signs agreement to acquire Midas Underwriting

Ryan Direct Group (RDG), the leading insurance services business and part of Chicago-based Ryan Specialty Group (RSG), has entered into agreement to acquire Northern Ireland-based MGA Midas Underwriting (Midas), subject to regulatory approval. The consideration is undisclosed.

Derek Coles, RDG CEO, said the acquisition will give RDG extra capability in niche and specialist lines in home, motor and commercial: "Midas is a specialist business, like RDG, and the Midas book complements our existing portfolio in SME, property owners and landlords, and additionally supports our medium term aim of creating a balanced commercial and personal lines book."

He added: "It marks RDG's first significant foray into the niche and specialist motor market, building on our existing TPA arrangement with the Only Young Drivers brand in the UK. We look forward to working with Midas' existing capacity providers, including Axa, Ageas and KGM, to deliver accelerated growth and profitability across all business lines."

He said that RDG's acquisition of Midas will also give RDG access to enhanced claims capability, especially in motor, which "adds considerably to the services the Group can offer our insurance and broking clients."

Alan Hunter, managing director of Midas, said: "This acquisition by RDG is a huge vote of confidence in our business and our people. It strengthens our position as a leading player in the Northern Ireland and Irish market, and will give us added financial strength to accelerate growth under the RSG brand."

Mr Hunter said Midas' business includes SME, commercial vehicle, personal home and motor, non-standard home and car, property owners and ancillaries. Midas will write in excess of £30 million GWP into the market in its current financial year covering the mainland UK, Northern Ireland and Southern Irish markets.

Mr Coles said that Paul Donaldson, currently non-executive director of RDG, will chair the acquired business, which is headquartered in Belfast, and has an additional office in Chelmsford, Essex. The acquisition is expected to complete during the first quarter of 2016.

About Ryan Direct Group
Ryan Direct Group (RDG) is part of Ryan Specialty Group LLC. RDG is a long-established, successful Insurance Solutions Provider that's highly regarded by the insurers, brokers, finance companies and affinity partners with whom we work. We are involved in all aspects of insurance activities and in every insurance sector from property and casualty to life and motor.

The group has 475 staff across sites in Doncaster, London, Manchester, Preston and Elland. For more information on RDG visit:

www.ryandirectgroup.co.uk.

About Ryan Specialty Group, LLC
Ryan Specialty Group, LLC is a global holding company that includes a wholesale brokerage, highly-specialised underwriting companies and specialty services designed specifically for agents, brokers and insurers. www.ryansg.com

For more information please contact Ben Welsh: Certus Ltd - 07568 382040

About Midas Underwriting
MIDAS Underwriting Ltd is an independently owned underwriting agency, specialising in the provision of insurance products to intermediaries. We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Founded on a wealth of experience from within the insurance industry, the management team has developed a corporate strategy focused on the provision of products exclusively to the insurance broking market. Our aim is to assist brokers in delivering the quality products their clients demand at competitive rates.

Ryan Specialty Group acquires Warranty & Indemnity experts Hunter George & Partners Ltd

November 16, 2015, CHICAGO, IL- Ryan Specialty Group (RSG), the global specialty insurance services business based in Chicago, has announced that it has reached agreement to acquire Hunter George & Partners Ltd, the London-based specialist MGA focused on insurance solutions for mergers and acquisitions.

Hunter George founders Ian Theato and Tim Martin will continue leading the business, which features highly specialized underwriting capability in the rapidly growing areas of warranty and indemnity, commercial tax liability and contingent risk insurance.

Patrick G. Ryan, Chairman and CEO of RSG commented: "Ian and Tim have built an outstanding platform in M&A insurance, a market segment of global importance to RSG. We are excited to add Hunter George to our growing MGA operation in London."

Tim Martin says: "We are delighted to be joining RSG where we will benefit from the extensive experience and global relationships of the leadership team."

Ian Theato added: "We believe this combination will enable us to scale our platform quickly to seize the exciting market opportunity in European M&A. We also view the entrepreneurial culture of RSG as a perfect fit for our team."

Peter McKenna, who leads RSG's MGA strategy in EMEA, added: "Hunter George is a great fit for our portfolio and will significantly broaden our range of high-demand specialty products. With Hunter George we gain exceptional underwriting talent, extensive contacts and an excellent reputation in the M&A segment, with particular emphasis on the EU markets. Operating as a coverholder in the London Market, Hunter George enables us to offer innovative solutions for our clients."

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About Ryan Specialty Group, LLC
Ryan Specialty Group, LLC is a global holding company which includes a wholesale brokerage, highly-specialised underwriting companies and specialty services designed specifically for agents, brokers and insurers. www.ryansg.com

For more information please contact: Ben Welsh, Certus Communications Ltd: 07568 382 040

Landy Insurance Agency Names Mark DiPentino Director of Sales

Herbert H Landy Insurance Agency, Inc. Adds Staff to Meet Increasing Market Growth.

Needham, MA, November 2, 2015: Industry leader Herbert H Landy Insurance Agency, Inc. ["Landy"] established in 1949, has specialized in providing niche liability insurance for professionals. Commonly known as errors and omissions insurance, Landy has been meeting the insurance needs of professionals nationwide for over six decades. As Landy's market share continues to grow and with increasing opportunity, Landy announces that it has named Mark DiPentino as Director of Sales.

With over thirteen years of providing errors and omissions insurance to real estate brokers, Mark has a wellrounded resume of qualifications that include his facilitating CE classes and risk management workshops for real estate professionals, selling multiple lines of insurance, selling home warranty protection plans and worked as a territory and project manager. He has participated on professional liability insurance Q&A panels at the Greater Las Vegas Association of REALTORs and continues to be actively engaged in community outreach programs.

"Having a background in real estate appraising and mortgage combined with his successful work experience, Mark DiPentino has every asset that we were looking for to lead and further our sales efforts." Said, John Torvi, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at the Landy Insurance Agency. Betsy Magnuson, President of Landy, adds "We were looking for a quality individual that really understands the specific needs of our clients and will be able to continue with the Landy tradition of service excellence. Mark is a natural fit to our team and we are excited to work with him."

Mark DiPentino states, "Sales and sales management is really about communicating effectively and making good business decisions to meet the needs of your client; it's about listening and providing solutions." DiPentino added, "I look forward to making a difference in protecting the most important investment a business owner has and equally excited in expanding my work experience to include providing insurance solutions for appraisers, accountants, title agencies, mortgage companies and other professionals." Mark DiPentino has a proven track record of sales and sales management for over twenty years and has been a decorated top sales achiever.

Mark can be reached by phone at 781.292.5432 at www.landy.com/sales or by e-mail at mark@landy.com

Herbert H Landy Insurance Agency, Inc. is an industry leading professional liability insurance provider. Landy is proud of its association with an expanding nationwide network of independent insurance agents. Landy delivers significant advantages in administration, agency-network management, and product distribution while working in tandem with the insurance industry's most respected carriers.

Contact: John Tovi, Herbert H Landy Insurance Agency, Inc., 75 Second Ave., Ste. 410, Needham, MA 02494, (800) 336-5422 ext. 117, johnt@landy.com

PIANY to focus on NYSIF's 30-days' notice requirement during the 2016 legislative session

GLENMONT, N.Y.-During a recent survey, members of the Professional Insurance Agents of New York State Inc. told their association to focus on removing the requirement for policyholders to provide 30-days' notice to withdraw from the New York State Insurance Fund during the 2016 legislative session, which will begin in January. Each year, PIANY surveys its members to determine its legislative priorities for the year. According to the survey, professional, independent insurance agents also are concerned about New York's unique Labor Law/tort reform; the competitive disadvantages inherent in the operation of the NYSIF; and payment of commissions to licensed brokers on NYSIF policies.

NYSIF is the largest single carrier of workers' compensation insurance in the state (40 percent of the market). According to PIANY, a bill the association introduced in 2015 would provide a more even playing field between the NYSIF and the admitted marketplace for workers' compensation insurance, saving businesses money on their workers' compensation insurance, without penalizing them with retaliatory actions when they find another insurance policy with another provider.

PIANY introduced legislation (S.5250-sponsored by Sen. James L. Seward, R-51-and A.7742-sponsored by Assemblyman Kenneth P. Zebrowski, D-96) last year to remove the requirement for policyholders to provide 30-days' notice to withdraw from the NYSIF. The bill would afford New York state businesses the flexibility to move their insurance policies to more competitive products without bearing excessive short-rate penalties.

PIANY to focus on NYSIF's 30-days' notice requirement during the 2016 legislative session-2.

"PIANY's survey on legislative priorities has met with success in the past," said PIANY President Gene Sandy, CIC. "Last year the problems associated with certificates of insurance dominated the survey results. PIANY worked to draft legislation to regulate the improper use of certificates of insurance, which was signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in January."

PIANY is a trade association representing professional, independent insurance agencies, brokerages and their employees throughout the state.

Teri Pereira to Lead Brownyard Group's Foundation Program

Pereira takes the reins from Frank Monaco, as he retires after 40 successful years

Bay Shore, New York-October, 2015-National insurance program administrator Brownyard Group today announced the promotion of Teri Pereira, CPCU, to account manager of Foundation. Foundation provides specialized liability insurance to the domestic cosmetics industry, including manufacturers and distributors.

Pereira will be following in the footsteps of Frank Monaco, former program manager of Foundation, who retired earlier this month. Monaco spent 25 years with the Hairdressers Agency before Brownyard acquired the company and rebranded the program with two divisions, Foundation and Salon and Spa Specialty Insurance (SASSI). He remained with Brownyard leading the Foundation program for 15 more years.

"Frank was an integral part of our cosmetics and beauty programs for many years, helping grow both programs in their respective industries," said Tory Brownyard, president of the Brownyard Group. "He has left Foundation in Teri's capable hands, and we trust she will prove to be a strong leader for the program."

In her new position, Pereira is responsible for all underwriting and account servicing within the Foundation program. She joined Brownyard 13 years ago and most recently served as underwriting assistant.

About Brownyard Group
Brownyard Group is a program administrator that has developed and provided specialized insurance programs for select industries for more than 60 years. These industries include security guards, pest control operators, cosmetics manufacturers, alarm systems, private investigators and security consultants and the beauty industry. In 1993, Brownyard established Brownyard Claims Management, a loss prevention and full-service insurance claims facility. The company is based in Bay Shore, N.Y.

Media Contact: Gary Kimball, Kimball Communications, (610) 559-7585, gkimball@kimballpr.com

ISU INSURANCE AGENCY NETWORK ADDS STAFF IN NORTH CAROLINA

San Francisco, CA 11/3/15. Jack O'Connell of Charlotte, NC has joined the ISU Insurance Agency Network staff as Vice President of its Southeast Region with responsibilities to expand the ISU Network in the Region. Having devoted 35 years to the insurance industry in various aspects of the carrier, agency and network segments, Jack can empathize with independent agents' desires and challenges in their day-to-day operations.

ISU Insurance Agency Network Members enjoy benefits of the strengths and resources of a national organization while remaining completely independent and locally owned and operated. All ISU Members have direct carrier access, receive 100% of the commissions paid by the carriers, receive preferred profit sharing with no minimum premium requirements or loss ratio tiers plus full-time support services from the ISU staff in San Francisco and Southern California, Indiana, Texas, Arizona and the Carolinas. Most valued by the ISU Member agents are the individual relationships with other superior agents and the national carriers in the ISU Insurance Agency Network.

Headquartered in San Francisco since 1979, the ISU Insurance Agency Network of more than 155 qualified independent agents in 31 states, produces $2 billion of property and casualty premiums for over 300 carriers nationally who consistently recognize the ISU Network as their Better Source of Better Business©.

Additional information:
joconnell@isugroup.com 704-771-9597 or nstarr@isugroup.com

The Inaugural CHART-Exchange Summit Attracts 320 Insurance Professionals

More than 320 insurance professional gathered in Philadelphia last week to participate in the inaugural meeting of CHART-Exchange. CHART (Cover Holders and Risk Takers) was established to grow the U.S./London insurance marketplace.

"We are very pleased with the overall result of our first meeting," said Glenn Clark, president of Rockwood Programs and the "earliest adopter" of CHART. "The atmosphere was nothing short of electric. Insurance agencies from all over the country were given a unique opportunity to discuss new business ideas and concepts with decision makers from various Lloyd's syndicates as well as domestic Coverholders. Informative workshops and panels - moderated by industry experts - were made available for all participates just as importantly, the attendees were able to network and interact with each other."

"I have been involved with Coverholder business all my life," said Steve Ahern, broker at Iris Insurance Brokers. "In my experience, it has been rare to see the level of innovation that CHART has introduced into the U.S./London marketplace. Giving risk takers and insurance agencies a venue to freely exchange ideas resulted in the identification of potential new business opportunities. Iris is proud of its status as a CHART early adopter and will continue their involvement with the group in the future"

"Novae deeply values its long-standing U.S. Coverholder business," added Ross Louden, Deputy Divisional Head of Casualty at Novae Group PLC. "The opportunity to develop new relationships through CHART was not to be missed. The entrepreneurial spirit of many in attendance has mirrored that of Lloyd's syndicates such as Novae. The ability of agents and producers, who are closest to their business, to spot niches and under-served market places is something that is almost impossible to replicate from London, and it is that expertise that Novae appreciates having the opportunity to support and develop.

A highlight of the event was a Shark Tank competition - known as the Dragon's Den in the U.K. - where insurance agencies presented new ideas for insurance products and services. The competition reflected the entrepreneurial spirit of Lloyds' tradition of product innovation. The winner of "the Iris Insurance Innovation Challenge" competition was Connecticut-based Sloan & Rak Insurance Group. The firm presented a new system for evaluating property values, so they can be insured more accurately. Sloan & Rak not only won $10,000 toward product development, marketing and other costs, but also will get support to help them bring their idea to market.

"Our team took great lengths to solicit feedback on every facet of the conference." Concludes Glenn. "Each participate has been given an expansive questionnaire to provide input on the value of the Exchange and what they would like to see us do in the future. Personnel from Wilson Elser will be following up with each attendee during the month of November. Participant feedback (U.S. distributors, vendor partners and London Risk Takers) will be the building blocks for the future of the CHART-Exchange.

Visit www.chart-exchange.com for more information about CHART and the recent event in PHiladelphi. Interested parties are also invited to contact Glenn Clark directly at glenn.clark@chart-exchange.com.

Contact Information:
Glenn W. Clark, CHART Exchange: www.chart-exchange.com; (302) 765-6001

Paul Lavemhar, PLCommunications: www.chart-exchange.com; (908) 889-8884

SIAA Celebrates 20 Years of Helping Independent Agencies Grow

Nation’s largest alliance has written nearly $6 billion in premium and signed more than 5,500 member agencies

Oct. 21, 2015 – Hampton, N.H. – SIAA (Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance) today celebrated its 20th anniversary, having grown to be the nation’s largest agency alliance. With 48 master agencies, SIAA has signed more than 5,500 member agencies and generated nearly $6 billion in revenue since it was formed in 1995.

SIAA celebrates the milestone with a champagne gala in Boston this evening, with more than 425 attendees expected, including CEOs and senior officers of SIAA’s strategic (carrier) partners, principals and staff of SIAA’s master agencies, publishers and editors of insurance industry media and other business associates and friends.

“When we began to build a national network of agencies two decades ago, we focused on a mission to support the growth and continuing success of the independent agency distribution system,” said SIAA CEO Jim Masiello. “Today we celebrate the success of our integrated model with multi-level partnering, which continues to be a proven solution to help agencies grow both premium and profitability.”

The idea for SIAA grew out of the success of the Satellite Agency Network (SAN), a “master agency” comprised of independent agencies, which Masiello formed in New Hampshire in 1983 to overcome the biggest challenges facing independent agencies – growth and access to markets. Today, SIAA estimates that 13 percent of all independent agencies in the United States are or have been signed members of SIAA master agencies.

SIAA has continued to add value to members through professional development and education, access to program and specialty markets, lead generation and more:

• SIAA Business Insurance Advantage is a program that gives member agencies the ability to start or grow a profitable book of small commercial lines business.

• SIAA Agency Foundation is a program designed to assist new member start-up agencies write quality business sooner than might otherwise be possible.

• SIAA Training & Learning Center had more than 1,000 member agencies register in 2014 with a dramatic increase in the use of content, such as a series of proprietary ACORD form lessons, Business Owner Policy training and CE credits.

• SIAA MarketFinder is used by member agencies to place difficult-to-write excess and surplus lines and specialty market business.

• Insurancedeals4u (ID4U) is a consumer-facing web portal SIAA rolled out in 2004 to provide consumer access to all SIAA member agencies. It had more than 25,000 site visits providing 4,500 consumer leads to member agencies in 2014.

About SIAA
SIAA is a national insurance agency alliance dedicated to the creation, retention, growth and continued success of the independent insurance agency distribution system. SIAA has signed more than 5,500 member agencies through 48 master agencies across the country since its inception in 1995. Of that member number, SIAA and its Master Agencies have created 3,100 new start-up agencies coming predominantly from former captive agents. An estimated 13 percent of all independent agencies in the U.S. are or have been signed members of SIAA. SIAA brings profitable premium growth and quality relationship integration between its member agencies and strategic partner companies, and provides a wide range of resources to help agencies increase sales, retention, revenue and value. For more information on SIAA visit www.siaa.net.

Henderson Appointed Senior Field Representative for Berkshire Hathaway GUARD

WILKES-BARRE, PA - Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies recently added Chris Henderson as a Senior Field Representative to promote targeted growth in Florida, including the addition of a multiline commercial insurance solution - BizGUARD Plus - that encompasses Workers' Compensation, Businessowner's Policy, and Umbrella coverage targeted to a wide range of operations. In his new capacity, Henderson is responsible for identifying prospects for appointments while providing information about available resources and new developments to existing members of the distribution network. He also functions as agents' field liaison with Berkshire Hathaway GUARD's underwriting, loss control, and claims staff.

Henderson has nearly three decades of experience working with both insurers and independent agents. According to Assistant Vice President of Regional Sales Steve Franklin, "Berkshire Hathaway GUARD is anxious to build on our strong market presence in Florida as well as our new products, and Chris Henderson's knowledge of the state should help us do just that." Franklin added, "We have agency appointments available; we believe Chris is the right person to help us fill those openings."

In October of 2012, GUARD Insurance Group was acquired by National Indemnity Company, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway - an international holding company with diverse interests that include insurance and reinsurance. In 2013, GUARD unveiled a new identity as Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies. Each of the organization's carriers (AmGUARD, EastGUARD, NorGUARD, and WestGUARD) are rated A+ ("Superior") by A.M. Best - a leading source of independent rating information on the insurance industry. In 2014, Berkshire Hathaway GUARD had over $600 million in sales and issued 100,000 polices.

Agents interested in learning more can contact the company on-line at www.guard.com/apply.